Dean Richards R.I.P.

It is with a heavy heart that I report that one of my favourite ever Saints defenders has passed away.

Dean Richards signed for Saints on a free transfer in the summer of 1999 by then Manager Dave Jones from Wolves and quickly established himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet with his powerful and commanding performances at centre half.

He continued to flourish under Glenn Hoddle, and the departing coach paid out £8.1 million to take the defender to Spurs with him in 2001. It was tantamount to how much of an impact he had at Saints, that his move to Spurs provoked such an emotional response from Saints fans.